Hired as a patrol officer in January 1964, Evers was promoted through the ranks and was eventually appointed acting chief of police in April 1988.

He was named chief in June 1988 and retired three years later.

Zen said Evers, a captain at the time, also spearheaded the most recent major renovation of the department’s headquarters at 625 Ute Ave. As project manager, Evers oversaw the addition of the west wing of the building in the 1980s.

The space is now home to the investigations division, with administrative offices on the second floor.

Police Cmdr. Greg Assenmacher said they recently consulted with Evers, tapping his knowledge from 1975 while investigating a series of cold-case murders from that era, including the case that led to last year’s arrest of 65-year-old Jerry Nemnich.

“Bob was a local guy, very well connected, who had a lot of historical knowledge,” Assenmacher said.